Thursday, 7 March 2013

Soft Pretzels

Preparation Method:Add flour, salt ,sugar and yeast in a mixing bowlslowly add warm water until the dough comes together.Dump the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5- 10 mins ( if not using a mixer) I use my hands.once the dough is soft and stretchy grease a bowl with oil(not olive oil) and rub oil over the ball of dough and cover with cling film.The best place to put the bowl is in a warm place where it will be able to rise undisturbed. I find a great place is the oven with just the light on ( don't turn it on)Leave it for 45 mins to an hour until it has doubled in size.Once the dough has risen pre heat the oven to 230.Dump the dough out and punch it to get the air out and lightly knead again.Grease an oven trayRoll out long ropes of dough ( about arms length) and shape your pretzels however you like.At this point you can leave the pretzels to rise again or bake.For an authentic American Auntie Anne's style pretzel brush a solution of boiled water and a table spoon of bicarbonated soda onto the pretzels before going in the oven. This will give the Pretzel a dark brown colour and the 'snap'Bake on the middle shelf for 12-15 mins ( keep an eye on it) Don't worry about the dark colour (it's meant to be that dark)While you're waiting for the pretzels to bake you can prepare the coating for them ( I like cinnamon sugar or just dipped in melted butter)Once baked coat pretzels while hot so the sugar sticks or the butter coats well and dries glossy :)Enjoy :) I love these.